MICHIGAN COMMISSION FOR THE BLIND
AUGUST 27, 2007
VICTOR BUILDING
LANSING, MICHIGAN


MINUTES


COMMISSIONERS PRESENT
Ms. Jo Ann Pilarski, Chair (Via teleconference)
Ms. Sheila Ashcraft, Vice Chair
Ms. Velma Allen
Mr. Richard Grant
Ms. Geri Taeckens


COMMISSIONERS ABSENT
None


MICHIGAN COMMISSION FOR THE BLIND (MCB) STAFF PRESENT
Mr. Patrick Cannon
Ms. Tish Kingaby
Mr. Leamon Jones
Ms. Christine Boone (via telephone)
Ms. Sherri Heibeck
Ms. Susan Turney
Ms. Constance Zanger
Mr. Bob Robertson
Ms. Diamalyn Gaston


GUESTS/ATTENDEES
Mr. Keith Cooley
Ms. Jaye Shamsiddeen
Mr. Rob Essenberg
Mr. George Wurtzel
Ms. Gail Jones
Mr. Fred Wurtzel
Mr. Marcus Simmons
Ms. Karen Simmons
Ms. Dell Allston
Ms. Jeanette Brown
Mr. Phil Kozachik
Mr. Robert Gaylor
Mr. Mike Ellis
Mr. Larry Scott
Mr. Mark Eagle
Ms. Kim Walsh
Mr. Myron Freeman
Mr. Terry Eagle
Ms. Yacedrah Williams
Mr. Larry Ball
Mr. Joe Sontag


COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE

The Committee of the Whole was opened by Vice Chair Sheila Ashcraft at 9:10 a.m., on behalf of Chair Jo Ann Pilarski who was participating by teleconference.


COMMISSIONER ACTIVITIES

Ms. Jo Ann Pilarski reported a meeting of the Planning and Quality Team, held July 11, at which the major topic was the update to MCB's 2007 Action Plan.

Ms. Geri Taeckens participated via teleconference in the June 14 meeting of MCB's Cultural Diversity Committee, which is looking to expand with representatives of groups not currently represented. On non board-related business, Ms. Taeckens also attended a session at Camp Tuhsmeheta, a low vision group meeting in Lansing, visited the MCB Training Center, and also attended Leader Dogs for the Blind as she and her new dog Jake underwent training.

Ms. Velma Allen attended the June 12 meeting of the Image and Identity Team, which next meets September 25.

Mr. Dick Grant attended the Business Enterprise Program (BEP) Annual Workshop held April 27-29 and participated in two following teleconferences of the Elected Operators Committee (EOC). Due to technical problems his report on the workshop will be submitted at a later date. Mr. Grant also participated in a Consumers Involvement Council (CIC) phone conference held July 27. Mr. Grant commented on two Grand Rapids area MCB clients.

Ms. Sheila Ashcraft attended two meetings via telephone of the Service Delivery Focus Design Team in June and August. Ms. Ashcraft reported that the Oakland County Library for the Visually and Physically Impaired is currently under notice of removal from its present facilities, and urged the audience to take an interest in their local subregional libraries as these are currently under threat. Ms. Pilarski concurred, as she reported that the Alpena subregional library had recently been closed with little notice and services transferred to Lansing.


PROPOSED VR POLICY ON HEARING AIDS FOR CLIENTS

The board had no questions regarding the revised policy, included in the board packet mailing of August 7, which will be presented for formal adoption during the regular meeting.


PROPOSED MEETING SCHEDULE

The proposed meeting schedule for 2008 and 2009 was reviewed, with meetings being reduced to four meetings a year, comparable to other similar boards and commissions, due to the poor economic climate and restrictions on state spending.  Meetings are proposed on the third Fridays in March, June and September (with an exception for the Good Friday conflict in 2008) and the second Fridays in December for both years to avoid the holidays. Meetings will be held in Lansing until further notice. Director Pat Cannon said additions or amendments could be made to the schedule should circumstances require this.


ISSUES FROM LAST MEETING

No issues were outstanding from the April meeting.


CONSUMER DIALOGUE

Vice Chair Ashcraft opened the consumer dialogue session which allows interaction between attending members of the public and the board and assists in building trust and relationships. The topic was "How can blind folks advocate for themselves regarding how much help they would like" and comments are included in a Consumer Dialogue compilation to be kept and submitted to the Chair. Mr. Cannon said brief email messages sent to mcbpubliccomments@comcast.netand received no later than 11:30 a.m. could be printed and considered for the Public Comment portion of the meeting at 11:45 a.m.


CALL TO ORDER, ROLL CALL AND DETERMINATION OF QUORUM

The regular meeting was called to order by Vice Chair Sheila Ashcraft at 10:31 a.m. Roll call was taken and a quorum was present. The meeting was audio-streamed over the Internet.


APPROVAL OF MINUTES

MR. GRANT MOVED, SUPPORTED BY MS. ALLEN, TO ACCEPT THE MINUTES OF THE APRIL 16, 2007 MEETING, AS PRESENTED. THE MOTION CARRIED WITH ONE ABSTENTION AS MS. TAECKENS HAD NOT RECEIVED THE MINUTES DUE TO TECHNICAL DIFFICULTIES.

MS. TAECKENS MOVED, SUPPORTED BY MR. GRANT, TO APPROVE THE COMMISSION MEETING SCHEDULE FOR 2008 (REVISED) AND 2009, AS PRESENTED AND ATTACHED AS AN ADDENDUM. THE MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.

Following discussion earlier in the meeting, Ms. Ashcraft requested on behalf of the board that Ms. Constance Zanger, BEP Manager, be asked to make arrangements for BEP vendors to offer direct, cash basis catering for attendees at future meetings.


BOARD CORRESPONDENCE

There was no board correspondence.


DIRECTOR'S REPORT

Mr. Cannon referred the Board to the written MCB Report previously submitted to the Board. This report is posted on the MCB website and distributed to anyone who wishes to receive it. Mr. Cannon highlighted some of the many articles on blindness issues and activities.

Mr. Cannon said July 26 was the 17^th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), which was celebrated with various activities throughout the state and a tribute issued by the Governor.  Mr. Cannon reported that due to an erosion of rights resulting from judicial interpretations, a bill called the ADA Restoration Act has been introduced in Congress by two of the prime sponsors of the original ADA.  Mr. Cannon said Michigan's state law also underwent a similar revision in 1990 to restore the original intent of Public Act 220 of 1976, as a result of which Michigan has the strongest disability rights laws in the country.  Mr. Cannon said he and Ms. Susan Turney attended the visit by the Freedom Bus to Lansing on August 12, as the bus toured the country with exhibits on the ADA.

Mr. Cannon attended the Civil Rights Forum held in Flint June 25 which included a presentation by Senator John Gleason on legislation he introduced on sign language interpreter regulation, and some technology issues such as accessible voting, public rights of way at pedestrian crossings, etc.

Mr. Cannon said a group called Coalition of Organizations for Accessible Technology (COAT), comprising over 100 organizations, has been advocating nationally for improvements in assistive technology, such as audio description for television programs, and strengthening Section 255 of the Telecommunications Act, accessibility of equipment such as cell phones, pagers.   Interested consumer organizations are encouraged to contact the American Foundation for the Blind.

MCB's fourth mini adjustment program of the year was held in Ann Arbor the week of August 19, with nearly 50 participants registered.  MCB is planning four programs to be scheduled next year in Traverse City, Saginaw, Farmington Hills and Kalamazoo.

Regarding the Fiscal Year 2008 budget, Mr. Cannon said there was no word yet on MCB's budget but that an update to the Internal Operating Budget for 2007 would be sent out to commissioners.  Mr. Cannon also said that while commission meetings would be held quarterly starting in 2008, if issues came up, special meetings could be convened.  Mr. Cannon said that the December meeting would include the annual evaluation of the director for 2007 and the establishment of the 2008 performance objectives.  MCB Reports and activity lists will continue to be issued on a bimonthly basis.  Summaries on summer activity programs will be included in the October MCB Report.

Ms. Taeckens asked about the status of inquiries regarding establishing a 501(C)3 organization to help raise funds for MCB to expand services.  Mr. Cannon advised her that while such an organization could be established, MCB and its staff could not be directly affiliated or involved with it.  Ms. Taeckens also commented that she had received very beneficial feedback on MCB's outreach efforts with optometrists.

MR. GRANT MOVED, SUPPORTED BY MS. TAECKENS, TO ACCEPT THE DIRECTOR'S REPORT, AS PRESENTED.  THE MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.


MICHIGAN REHABILITATION SERVICES UPDATE

Ms. Jaye Shamsiddeen, Director of Michigan Rehabilitation Services (MRS), said that in her four years as Director she had developed a close and mutually beneficial working relationship with Director Cannon.  She related that one of her first contacts with Mr. Cannon resulted in the realignment of the federal funding split to raise MCB's share to 15 percent, which was in line with other states' splits between general and blind service agencies.

Ms. Shamsiddeen said she and Mr. Cannon are very satisfied with their collaboration efforts which include: a series of statewide partnership forums involving over 100 agencies and organizations in the state which meet to determine better ways to provide employment services to people with disabilities and to eliminate duplication of effort; MRS, MCB, the Michigan Commission on Disability Concerns (MCDC) and the Centers for Independent Living (CILs) work together to secure additional funding; MRS and MCB collaborate on cash match agreements and on grant applications; MRS and MCB work to ensure that all 44 Institutions of Higher Education (IHEs) in the state sign the Memoranda of Understanding required by the federal government that outlines which entity is responsible to provide what specific accommodation services and materials; MRS and MCB held a joint meeting to determine ways to work better together and coordinate services.

Ms. Shamsiddeen said that while MRS and MCB do collaborate, she and Director Cannon both believe strongly that the two agencies should not merge and that each agency provides the best services possible to their constituents due to its deep expertise of their respective clients' needs.

Due to the current economic climate, Ms. Shamsiddeen said MRS currently has 44 vacancies out of a staff of 500, with many staff working out of class to cover the necessary responsibilities.  Ms. Shamsiddeen said that unless a budget is signed soon and staffing improves, it is anticipated that MRS will have to go under an Order of Selection, the regulation implemented by the Rehabilitation Services Administration, whereby the agency will have to work off a waiting list of clients.

Ms. Pilarski said she appreciated Ms. Shamsiddeen's statement regarding the conviction that MRS and MCB should not be consolidated, as she receives many communications from concerned consumers who are blind or visually impaired regarding this possibility.  In answer to a direct query, Ms. Shamsiddeen cautioned that there was much consolidation now occurring in state government, citing Human Resources, Audit, and Accounting, and there was no guarantee that there would never be a merging of MRS and MCB.

Ms. Shamsiddeen concluded her report saying that having Director Cannon as a mentor had helped her tremendously.


DLEG DIRECTOR'S REPORT

Ms. Ashcraft introduced Mr. Keith Cooley, director of the Department of Labor and Economic Growth (DLEG) and gave a synopsis of his exemplary credentials and career, including his move to state government four months previously.

Mr. Cooley said his message today was to outline the Governor's "No Worker Left Behind" (NWLB) program which he said clearly impacted MCB and its clients, and to build support throughout the state for the legislature to provide funding for the program.  Mr. Cooley read his presentation entitled, "Michigan's Renaissance Begins with You," the complete text of which can be found on the MCB website, www.michigan.gov/mcb. In summary, Mr. Cooley said it was possible to create a bright future for Michigan by training the workforce of tomorrow, solving the skilled worker shortage in Michigan, and changing the attitude of the young and old to embrace lifelong learning.

In his four months as director, Mr. Cooley said he has found the DLEG staff, which included the Commission and its staff, to be incredibly hard-working, professional and deeply committed to seeing Michigan succeed.  He outlined four steps which are necessary for this success:

• As change becomes the constant factor in our economy, help workers prepare to navigate and succeed in that new environment.
• Encourage everyone in Michigan to embrace lifelong learning.
• Energize entrepreneurship, and provide the environment which includes the Cool Cities initiative.
• Accept responsibility to help companies find, develop, and retain talent.

Mr. Cooley said Governor Granholm's NWLB plan will help more than 100,000 workers over the next 3-4 years by providing up to two years free tuition at any Michigan community college or other approved training program and allowing unemployed or underemployed workers to receive needed training in high demand skills while receiving unemployment benefits.

Mr. Cooley concluded his remarks by asking that the audience take this message out into their communities, talk with business leaders and students, and encourage contact with legislators to fund the NWLB program and make it succeed.

Mr. Cannon said this and other initiatives of the Governor, have much in common with MCB's goals, especially in setting the tone of high expectation which he says is critical to MCB's consumers.

PUBLIC COMMENT

Mr. Terry Eagle commented on Director Cooley's presentation and said it was a good initiative although it was regrettable more preparation was not done when Michigan's economy was good, rather than in a crisis situation. Mr. Eagle also commented on catering services for commission meetings in the Victor Building, where he is a temporary operator.

Mr. Fred Wurtzel said the state convention of the National Federation of the Blind of Michigan would be held October 19-21 at the Marriott Centerpoint and details would be forthcoming. Mr. Wurtzel said he was concerned about the reduction in commission meetings and the need to continue dialogue with consumers. Mr. Wurtzel also commented on an MCB client who wished to open an automotive training school.

Mr. Larry Ball said his organization, National Federation of the Blind of Michigan, is an advocate for employment and entrepreneurship. Mr. Ball said he would like the opportunity to present to Director Cannon a plan to increase revenue among the BEP vendors.

Mr. George Wurtzel, Opportunities Unlimited for the Blind (OUB), thanked the Commission for its contribution to the operation of Camp Tuhsmeheta (Camp T) and said it was the most successful year so far, detailing many classes and events, including a 3-day sailing trip.

Mr. Rob Essenberg, chair of the OUB, voiced a concern that Camp T was being prepared for sale by the Michigan Department of Education, and OUB is campaigning to get the property turned over by sale or gift to their organization, with an initiative in the legislature lead by Representative Tom Pearce.  Mr. Essenberg asked the board's support in this effort.

Ms. Pilarski said the situation regarding Camp T would be investigated, and the board will need to discuss these details before responding to Mr. Essenberg's request.

MR. GRANT MOVED, SUPPORTED BY MS. ALLEN, THAT DISCUSSION TAKE PLACE AMONG THE BOARD TO REVIEW THE REPORTED SALE OF CAMP TUHSMEHETA.  THE MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.

Recessed for break at 12:25 p.m.

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The meeting was reconvened at 1:35 p.m. 

MCB CONSUMER SERVICES REPORT

Mr. Leamon Jones, Director of the Consumer Services Division, referred the board to the written MCB report which describes the many activities in which staff are involved.

Mr. Jones said MCB would be focusing on the No Worker Left Behind program to see how the Commission's clients can participate in the program. 

Other collaborative efforts include a pilot program in southeastern Michigan with the Area Agencies on Aging to look at employment opportunities and outcomes for seniors, and two pilot projects with the Veterans Administration to develop services and close service gaps, especially for those returning from Iraq.  Recommendations from these projects will be developed in the near future.

Mr. Jones said that year round transition activities are being developed throughout the state with Intermediate School Districts, and reports on the many summer youth transition programs would be included in the October MCB Report.

Mr. Jones reviewed proposed changes to the MCB Policies and Procedures Manual for the policy on purchase of hearing aids which eliminates the requirement for three bids to be obtained before providing hearing aids for consumers. This practice will speed the delivery of services, as well as provide improved follow-up services.  The proposed policy has been reviewed by the Service Delivery Focus Design Team, the Planning and Quality Team and the Consumer Involvement Council.  Mr. Jones asked the board to adopt the proposed policy change.

MS. PILARSKI MOVED, SUPPORTED BY MS. TAECKENS, TO ACCEPT THE CHANGE TO THE MCB POLICIES AND PROCEDURES MANUAL FOR THE POLICY ON PURCHASE OF HEARING AIDS, AS PRESENTED (ATTACHED).  THE MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.

MS. PILARSKI MOVED, SUPPORTED BY MS. ALLEN, TO ACCEPT THE CONSUMER SERVICES REPORT, AS PRESENTED.  THE MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.

COMMUNICATIONS UPDATE

Ms. Susan Turney, MCB's Communications and Outreach Coordinator, said that many of the Commission's outreach activities were conducted by field staff and Training Center staff who visit community health fairs, libraries, community resource fairs, etc.  In addition, Ms. Turney says she provides outreach to the optometric and ophthalmology communities with mailings now being handled through email, and other activities which currently include participation in the Medical Staff resource fair at Sparrow Hospital, and the upcoming Capital Area Michigan Works! job fair.

Work continues on the MCBTC video, with filming carried out at the training center and at a mini adjustment program.  Ms. Turney said the final video should be completed this fall and can be viewed on the website; in addition, a new brochure on the center is being developed in tandem with the video. 

Ms. Turney said two additional brochures were being issued, one on Business Services which will explain what services MCB can provide to employers in finding or retaining employees who are blind, and the other on Independent Living for people 55 and older who may not be interested in employment.

Ms. Turney continues work on developing the MCB website, including adding resource links to other organizations, and participating on the Image and Identity team, which she said is seeking new members.

Ms. Ashcraft complimented the website saying that the improvement over the last few years has done much to project a positive image of the Commission.

MS. ALLEN MOVED, SUPPORTED BY MR. GRANT, TO ACCEPT THE COMMUNICATION UPDATE, AS PRESENTED.  THE MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.


MCB TRAINING CENTER REPORT

Ms. Christine Boone, director of the MCB Training Center, reported a busy summer with students coming for student assessments and the planned formation of a committee to plan evening programs with Western Michigan University practicum students next year.  Consideration may also be given to having separate programs for the students, as communal classes with seniors were not always successful.  Other new programs included a workshop on container gardening, a new experience for many students who have never been exposed to handling dirt and planting.

A plan is also being considered for Michigan State University to convert the MCBTC courtyard, under their Master Gardening program; however, this may be delayed until the possible expansion of the technology center has been explored further.

Ms. Boone said staff had inventoried the low vision aids in the center and are offering training to students on this equipment so that they can make appropriate choices about aids they may be offered from the low vision clinic. 

A flag dedication ceremony honoring Michigan's blind veterans was held when a replacement flag pole was installed, with local companies donating landscaping supplies.  Ms. Boone said interior signage is being updated throughout the center to include both print and Braille signs for every room.

In answer to inquiries, Ms. Boone said that off-campus housing, a new generator and permanent storage for the Training Center were all on hold, pending improvement in the economy.

MS. TAECKENS MOVED, SUPPORTED BY MR. GRANT, TO ACCEPT THE MCB TRAINING CENTER REPORT, AS PRESENTED.  THE MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.


ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES REPORT

Ms. Sherri Heibeck, Administrative Services Manager, said that the budget was currently on target, as reported in the MCB Report.  The DLEG Finance Department had just issued a reminder that no Fiscal Year 2008 funds could be encumbered at the present time, due to the lack of an appropriation.  Ms. Heibeck said this includes all expenses, including client benefit payments and MCB's budget is being explored in order to pay student tuition out of FY 2007 funds to ensure their education is not interrupted. 

Ms. Heibeck said MCB's internet software was undergoing changes in order to switch to a standard Department of Information Technology environment. She reported that the BEP software was up and running, with the program based on the System 7 client software program.  Studies are currently underway on the practicality and cost effectiveness of providing broadband cards to the counselors so that they can access client records at any time they have a computer.

Ms. Heibeck reported on the successful transition and savings effected by the switch of location of the BEP vendor in the Cadillac Building in Detroit.  Swift action by Promotional Agent Joe Pelle resulted in this beneficial transaction.

MR. GRANT MOVED, SUPPORTED BY MS. ALLEN, TO ACCEPT THE ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES REPORT, AS PRESENTED.  THE MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.

BUSINESS ENTERPRISE PROGRAM REPORT

Ms. Constance Zanger, BEP Manager, reported that five of the seven recently graduated BEP vendor trainees would be operating their own businesses within a few weeks.  A second class starts in October with six students registered.

Ms. Zanger said the operator at the Michigan Air National Guard Combat Readiness Training Center (CRTC) facility in Alpena had been very successful, serving over 65,000 meals, and receiving high scores on her evaluations. It is hoped that BEP will be successful on the five year bid at the conclusion of this initial one year bid.

Ms. Zanger announced that Patrick Duffy had been hired as the BEP Grand Rapids promotional agent, beginning September 10.  Ms. Zanger thanked the BEP staff for their willingness to help ensure the continuity of the program while this position was vacant.

As noted in the MCB Report, Ms. Zanger commented on the loss of a BEP facility in a non-mandated facility, where the current concession space is being converted to a hearings room in the Detroit Juvenile Court building, and said it is anticipated a second location loss will occur in the Detroit Herman Kieffer cafeteria which is being renovated and put up for bid.  As the cost of the renovation is to be included in the bid, it is unlikely that a BEP operator will find the cost is justified by the low building population.

Ms. Zanger outlined some possible new acquisitions including a site at the One Division Building, Grand Rapids and a coffee shop in the Cadillac Building.  The U.S. Post Service (USPS) has awarded BEP the permit for the new metroplex postal processing facility in Pontiac, however, BEP sites and vending routes in the Pontiac, Troy, Sterling Heights and perhaps Saginaw postal facilities may be affected as USPS staff are transferred to the new metroplex.  It is anticipated that a statewide contract with USPS to provide vending in post offices throughout Michigan will be executed shortly.  Additionally, investigation is under way to provide service to Camp Grayling which will transition to a year round facility and to a proposed new Michigan State Police headquarters to be built in Lansing.

Ms. Zanger concluded her report, noting that BEP was working closely with the Elected Operators Committee, and in particular its Chair, Rob Essenberg, who is always accessible for discussion of BEP and vendor issues.

Discussion was held regarding the effect of the restricted catering directive on the BEP businesses in state office buildings and Ms. Zanger said that while she was sure it did have an adverse effect on income, exact figures were unknown at this time.  Ms. Pilarski said inventive ways should be examined to provide catering business to the operators.

ELECTED OPERATORS COMMITTEE REPORT

Mr. Essenberg, Chair, said the EOC and its committees were reviewing several issues including training evaluation, promotional system points, elected operators evaluation, and revision of some promulgated rules.  It is hoped that many of these issues may be completed at the EOC meeting to be held September 7-9 and be ready for presentation to the board at its next meeting.  Concern was expressed by Mr. Essenberg that the next meeting was not until December and that some items might require more immediate action.  Ms. Pilarski indicated a special meeting of the board could be held if necessary.

Mr. Essenberg said the chair of the Michigan Blind Merchants Association had been invited to be on the September 7-8 agenda, as this group had several members who were also BEP operators.

A growing concern brought to the EOC is the retirement formula, and whether it should be based on net proceeds or net income (the amount after the set-aside fee has been paid) as records show both formulas have been used in the past.  Currently, the formula is being based on net income until this issue can be resolved.  BEP staff and the EOC are involved in meetings with the State's Retirement Services Office.  As Michigan is the only state that has retirement benefits for its vendors, this is not an issue nationwide.

Mr. Essenberg reported on the BEP annual workshop held April 27-29 which he said was very well attended and was well received. The workshop committee will start planning early in September for the next workshop.

MR. GRANT MOVED, SUPPORTED BY MS. ALLEN, TO ACCEPT THE ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES REPORT, AS PRESENTED.  THE MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.

ADJOURNMENT

MS. ALLEN MOVED, SUPPORTED BY MR. GRANT, TO ADJOURN THE MEETING.  THE MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.

The meeting was adjourned at 3:15 p.m.  The next meeting will be held on Monday, December 10, 2007 at the Kellogg Center, East Lansing.  The meeting will begin at 9:00 a.m.

                                               
Jo Ann Pilarski, Chairperson